Stabilizing insert for a golf club head

ABSTRACT

The invention generally provides a removable stabilizing insert releasably couplable to an adjustable golf club head. The removable stabilizing insert is configured to be releasably coupled to mounting portion on a sole of the club head and to further provide a region for surface contact such that, when a club is given different settings, if the club is held at address resting on a surface, the club naturally comes to a rest position in which it exhibits substantially the same face angle in any setting. Accordingly, the removable stabilizing insert is configured to optimize performance of the club head by balancing and maintaining the club head.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/830,228, filed Aug. 19, 2015, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/407,011, filed Feb. 28, 2012 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,114,292), the contents of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/160,019, filed Jan. 21, 2014, which claims the benefit of,and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/755,564,filed Jan. 23, 2013, the contents of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/160,019 is also continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/565,146, filed Aug. 2, 2012 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,114,294), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/407,011, filed Feb. 28, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No.9,114,292), the contents of each of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/160,019 is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent Ser. No. 13/946,543, filed Jul. 19,2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,870,673), which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/711,097, filed Dec. 11, 2012 (now U.S.Pat. No. 8,517,850), the contents of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to interchangeable inserts for golf clubheads to optimize performance of adjustable golf clubs.

BACKGROUND

Golfers make their best shots when provided with golf clubs that fittheir playing style. A golfer may want a driver with a particular loftor face angle. For example, a closed face angle may help a golfer whoconsistently slices to the right. Another golfer with high speed, highaccuracy drives may want a driver with a low loft for maximum distance.Accordingly, manufacturers offer adjustable clubs, such as drivers,fairways, and hybrids, with multiple settings for face angle, loft, orboth.

Although current golf club designs allow for adjustability for varioussettings and playing characteristics, including loft and face angle,there can be problematic interrelationships between different settingsof such designs. For example, in some clubs, if loft is increased, thenwhen the club is held at address resting on a surface, the club tends toexhibit a closed face angle. If the loft is decreased and the club isheld at address resting on a surface, that club will then exhibit anopen face angle. A golfer's shot may be influenced by how the club restsat address. Thus, adjusting a setting on an adjustable club can causethe club to launch the ball in unexpected ways, resulting inunpredictable and inaccurate shots.

SUMMARY

The invention provides a stabilizing element (also referred to herein as“stabilizing insert”) that is couplable to a sole of a golf club headand configured to minimize unintended changes that may otherwise occurwhen the golf club is held at address in different positions or whenloft or face angle of the club head is adjusted. More specifically, thestabilizing element is configured to mitigate the change in relationshipbetween the club balance point and ground contact point at address, thatmost often manifests as a rotation to a “rest position” when adjustmentsare made to the club head. When coupled to the club head, thestabilizing element of the present invention is further configured toprovide a lowest region of the sole of the club head to contact theground in any effective club setting. For a club having the stabilizingelement coupled to the sole, the spatial relationship between contactpoint and balance point is substantially the same in different settings.Thus, a club head that includes the stabilizing element of the presentinvention does not exhibit a problematic interrelationship betweendifferent address positions or adjustable loft and face angle settings,thereby overcoming the drawbacks associated with current adjustable clubhead designs.

The stabilizing element of the present disclosure is generally separateand discrete from the club head itself such that the stabilizing elementis removable (e.g., separable from and recoupable to the club head). Forexample, the stabilizing element may be releasably coupled to the clubhead by way of any known releasable fastener or fastening means (e.g.,adhesive, snap-fit, press-fit, etc.). Accordingly, a player mayselectively attach/detach the stabilizing element as they see fit, asopposed to some club designs which are limited to elements that arebuilt, or otherwise permanently fixed, to the club head. Therefore, insome embodiments, a player may be able to select from a variety ofdifferent interchangeable stabilizing elements (e.g., provided in a kit)for use with an adjustable golf club head. While all of theinterchangeable stabilizing elements may generally minimize unintendedchanges that may otherwise occur when the golf club is held at addressin different positions or when loft or face angle of the club head isadjusted, each of the stabilizing elements may have different massproperties, graphics, appearance, and the like. Accordingly, theinterchangeable nature of the stabilizing element of the presentdisclosure provides a player with the ability to customize their golfclub to suit their preferences or playing characteristics, all whileminimizing unintended changes to the club head as a result of club headadjustments.

The removable nature of the stabilizing element further addressespotential drawbacks associated with the manufacturing of club headdesigns incorporating fixed or built-in components or features. Forexample, in certain club head designs, a feature may be incorporatedinto the overall form of the club head, such as a keel integrally formedon the sole of a club head. Manufacturing of such club head designs canbe difficult, particularly in instances in which the built-in featuremust have a relatively tight tolerance and any variation outside of thattolerance is unacceptable and may negatively impact or prevent theintended function of the built-in feature. For example, certain steps inthe manufacturing process of club head may naturally result in a certainamount of variation and inconsistency from club head to club head, suchas, for example, casting shrink, heat treatment deformations, stampingspring back, as well as hand polishing.

By providing a separate and discrete stabilizing element, thestabilizing element and golf club head can be manufactured separatelyunder separate conditions and by separate machines and processes.Accordingly, specific manufacturing techniques that provide a highdegree of precision and detail, which may otherwise be unavailable orimpractical when manufacturing the club head, may be used to manufacturethe stabilizing element and yield the tight tolerance that may berequired. For example, specific dimensions of the stabilizing element,including, but not limited to, length, width, and height, must generallybe within a certain range so as to allow the stabilizing element tofunction as intended, specifically to minimize unintended changes to theclub head, such as mitigate the change in relationship between the clubbalance point and ground contact point at address, that most oftenmanifests as a rotation to a “rest position” when adjustments are madeto the club head.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a removable stabilizinginsert for a golf club head. The removable stabilizing element includesa first portion couplable to a mounting portion on a sole of a club headand a second portion extending from the first portion and protrudingfrom the sole of the club head when the first portion is coupled to themounting portion. When a golf club, that includes the club head havingthe stabilizing insert coupled thereto, is held at address, thestabilizing insert maintains a spatial relationship between a contactpoint a balance point of the golf club head due to the stabilizingelement protruding from the sole.

In some embodiments, the club head is adjustable between at least afirst loft setting and a second loft setting. When a golf club, thatincludes the golf club head, is held at address, the stabilizing insertbalances and maintains a heel-toe face angle in either one of the firstand second loft settings due to the stabilizing element protruding fromthe sole.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing insert is releasably couplable tothe mounting portion by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fitmeans, and a press-fit means. Accordingly, the stabilizing insert isselectively removable from the mounting portion and interchangeable withone or more other stabilizing inserts.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing element protrudes from the sole bya height H, has a maximum length L, has a maximum width W, and has asetback S from a front-most point on the club face when a golf clubincluding the club head is held at address. The height H is generallydefined as, when the club head is held at address resting on flatground, the average distance from the ground of points on the perimeterof the stabilizing insert directly fore and aft of a ground contactpoint. In some embodiments, height H is between about 0.3 mm and about 2mm. Additionally, in some embodiments, the length L may be between about2.5 cm and about 12 cm, the width W may be between about 3 mm and about20 mm, and setback S may be between about 1.5 cm and about 3.5 cm.

In some embodiments, the mounting portion on the sole of the club headmay include an aperture extending through the sole of the club head froman exterior of the club head to an interior cavity of the club head.When the stabilizing insert is coupled to the club head, the firstportion of the stabilizing insert may be positioned within the interiorcavity of the club head and the second portion of the stabilizing insertextends through the aperture to the exterior of the club head. The firstportion of the stabilizing element may include a flange member extendingalong a perimeter of the stabilizing insert. The flange member isconfigured to contact an interior surface of the sole along a perimeterof the aperture when the stabilizing insert is coupled to the aperture.The second portion may include a protruding member configured to bereceived within and extend through the aperture to the exterior of theclub head. The stabilizing insert is releasably couplable to theaperture by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and apress-fit means. For example, an adhesive may be placed between theflange member and the interior surface of the sole. Additionally, oralternatively, one or more portions of the stabilizing insert may beconfigured to interact with the aperture in a snap-fit or press-fitmanner. Accordingly, the stabilizing insert may be “dropped in” themounting portion from within the interior cavity of the club head. Thus,the club head itself may have an access portion, or other portion, forproviding a player with access into the interior cavity.

In another embodiment, the mounting portion on the sole of the club headmay include a recess on an exterior surface of the sole. When thestabilizing insert is coupled to the club head, the first portion of thestabilizing insert is received within the recess and the second portionof the stabilizing insert extends from the recess. The stabilizinginsert is releasably couplable to the aperture by way of at least one ofan adhesive, a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means. For example, anadhesive may be placed between the first portion of the stabilizinginsert and an interior surface of the recess. Additionally, oralternatively, one or more portions of the stabilizing insert may beconfigured to interact with the recess in a snap-fit or press-fitmanner. Accordingly, the stabilizing insert may be “dropped in” therecess from the exterior of the club head.

In another aspect, a golf club head is provided. The golf club headincludes a club head body comprising a heel, a toe, a sole having amounting portion, a crown, and a face. The golf club head furtherincludes a removable stabilizing insert coupled to the mounting portionand protruding from the sole. When a golf club, that includes the clubhead having the stabilizing insert coupled thereto, is held at address,the stabilizing insert maintains a spatial relationship between acontact point a balance point of the golf club head due to thestabilizing insert protruding from the sole.

In some embodiments, the club head is adjustable between at least afirst loft setting and a second loft setting. When a golf club, thatincludes the golf club head, is held at address, the stabilizing insertbalances and maintains a heel-toe face angle in either one of the firstand second loft settings due to the stabilizing insert protruding fromthe sole. The sole may further be configured such that, when the clubhead is held at address in either of a first or second configurationsuch that the face of the club head has the first or second loftsetting, respectively, the club head makes contact with the ground onlywithin the removable stabilizing insert.

The stabilizing insert is releasably coupled to the mounting portion. Insome embodiments, the stabilizing insert is releasably coupled to themounting portion by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fitmeans, and a press-fit means. Accordingly, the stabilizing insert isselectively removable from the mounting portion and interchangeable withone or more other stabilizing inserts.

In some embodiments, the mounting portion on the sole of the club headmay include an aperture extending through the sole of the club head froman exterior of the club head to an interior cavity of the club head.When the stabilizing insert is coupled to the club head, the firstportion of the stabilizing insert may be positioned within the interiorcavity of the club head and the second portion of the stabilizing insertextends through the aperture to the exterior of the club head. The firstportion of the stabilizing element may include a flange member extendingalong a perimeter of the stabilizing insert. The flange member isconfigured to contact an interior surface of the sole along a perimeterof the aperture when the stabilizing insert is coupled to the aperture.The second portion may include a protruding member configured to bereceived within and extend through the aperture to the exterior of theclub head. The stabilizing insert is releasably couplable to theaperture by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and apress-fit means. For example, an adhesive may be placed between theflange member and the interior surface of the sole. Additionally, oralternatively, one or more portions of the stabilizing insert may beconfigured to interact with the aperture in a snap-fit or press-fitmanner. Accordingly, the stabilizing insert may be “dropped in” themounting portion from within the interior cavity of the club head. Thus,the club head itself may have an access portion, or other portion, forproviding a player with access into the interior cavity.

In another embodiment, the mounting portion on the sole of the club headmay include a recess on an exterior surface of the sole. When thestabilizing insert is coupled to the club head, the first portion of thestabilizing insert is received within the recess and the second portionof the stabilizing insert extends from the recess. The stabilizinginsert is releasably couplable to the aperture by way of at least one ofan adhesive, a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means. For example, anadhesive may be placed between the first portion of the stabilizinginsert and an interior surface of the recess. Additionally, oralternatively, one or more portions of the stabilizing insert may beconfigured to interact with the recess in a snap-fit or press-fitmanner. Accordingly, the stabilizing insert may be “dropped in” therecess from the exterior of the club head.

In some embodiments, the stabilizing element protrudes from the sole bya height H, has a maximum length L, has a maximum width W, and has asetback S from a front-most point on the club face when a golf clubincluding the club head is held at address. The height H is generallydefined as, when the club head is held at address resting on flatground, the average distance from the ground of points on the perimeterof the stabilizing insert directly fore and aft of a ground contactpoint. In some embodiments, height H is between about 0.3 mm and about 2mm. Additionally, in some embodiments, the length L may be between about2.5 cm and about 12 cm, the width W may be between about 3 mm and about20 mm, and setback S may be between about 1.5 cm and about 3.5 cm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a prior art golf club head.

FIG. 2 shows a prior art golf club head.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a golf club according to certain embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a prior art golf club head.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows the view of FIG. 5 with a prior art sole superimposed(dashed line).

FIG. 7 is a side view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a bottom-rear perspective view of a golf club head accordingto certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a top-rear perspective view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention showing boundaries of regions of a sole.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention showing boundaries of regions of a sole.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention showing regions of a sole.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention, exaggerated in the vertical direction andshowing regions of a sole.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention showing regions of a sole.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention, exaggerated in the vertical direction andshowing measurements of a feature of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention showing measurements of a feature of theinvention.

FIG. 19 illustrates properties of features of the invention.

FIG. 20 illustrates properties of features of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a top view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line correspondingto line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIGS. 23A-C are each a cross-sectional view of a golf club headaccording to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a linecorresponding to line A-A′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line correspondingto line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line correspondingto line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line correspondingto line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line correspondingto line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 28 is a side view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line correspondingto line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line correspondingto line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line correspondingto line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line correspondingto line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line correspondingto line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 34 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line correspondingto line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 36 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attachable featureaccording to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attached featureaccording to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 38 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attachable featureaccording to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head with an attachedfeature according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along aline corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 40 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attached featureaccording to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 41 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attachable featureaccording to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head with an attachedfeature according to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along aline corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 43 is a bottom view of a golf club head with an attached featureaccording to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 44 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 45 is a side view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 46 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 47 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 48 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 49 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 50 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line correspondingto line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according tocertain embodiments of the invention, taken along a line correspondingto line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIG. 53 is a bottom view of a golf club head illustrating a removablestabilizing insert to be releasably coupled to the golf club headaccording to certain embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 54 is a perspective bottom view of a golf club head illustrating aremovable stabilizing insert releasably coupled to the sole of the golfclub head.

FIG. 55 is a bottom view of a golf club head including the removablestabilizing insert showing measurements of the stabilizing insert.

FIG. 56 is a top view of a golf club head with a portion of the crownremoved so as to provide a view into an interior cavity of the golf clubhead and further illustrate attachment of an removable stabilizinginsert to the sole of the club head.

FIG. 57 is sectional view of the golf club head taken along line C-C ofFIG. 56.

FIG. 58 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sole of the golf clubhead illustrating the removable stabilizing inert coupled to theaperture on the sole of the golf club head.

FIG. 59 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sole of the golf clubhead illustrating the removable stabilizing insert removed fromengagement with the aperture on the sole of the golf club head.

FIG. 60 is a perspective bottom view of a golf club head illustrating aremovable stabilizing insert to be releasably coupled to a recess on thesole of the golf club head according to certain embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 61 is a perspective bottom view of the golf club head illustratingthe removable stabilizing insert releasably coupled to the recess.

FIG. 62 is a sectional view of the golf club head taken along line E-Eof FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sole of the golf clubhead illustrating the removable stabilizing insert coupled to the recesson the sole of the golf club head.

FIG. 64 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sole of the golf clubhead illustrating the removable stabilizing insert removed fromengagement with the recess on the sole of the golf club head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention generally relates to removable inserts for golf club headsto optimize performance of golf clubs. In some embodiments, theinvention relates to a feature on the sole of a club head that protrudesand stabilizes the club head in two or more positions when a club is ataddress. In some embodiments described herein, the present inventionprovides a stabilizing element (also referred to herein as “stabilizinginsert”) that is couplable to a sole of a golf club head and configuredto minimize unintended changes that may otherwise occur when the golfclub is held at address in different positions or when loft or faceangle of the club head is adjusted. The stabilizing insert includes afirst portion couplable to a mounting portion on a sole of a club headand a second portion extending from the first portion. When thestabilizing insert is coupled to the club head, the second portionprotrudes from the sole of the club head. When coupled to the club head,the stabilizing element is configured to minimize unintended changeswhen the golf club is held at address in different positions or whenloft or face angle of the club head is adjusted.

For example, in some embodiments, when a golf club, that includes theclub head having the stabilizing insert coupled thereto, is held ataddress, the stabilizing insert at least maintains a spatialrelationship between a contact point a balance point of the golf clubhead due to the stabilizing element protruding from the sole. Morespecifically, the stabilizing element is configured to mitigate thechange in relationship between the club balance point and ground contactpoint at address, that most often manifests as a rotation to a “restposition” when adjustments are made to the club head. When coupled tothe club head, the stabilizing element of the present invention isfurther configured to provide a lowest region of the sole of the clubhead to contact the ground in any effective club setting. For a clubhaving the stabilizing element coupled to the sole, the spatialrelationship between contact point and balance point is substantiallythe same in different settings. Thus, a club head that includes thestabilizing element of the present invention does not exhibit aproblematic interrelationship between different address positions oradjustable loft and face angle settings, thereby overcoming thedrawbacks associated with current adjustable club head designs.

The stabilizing element of the present disclosure is generally separateand discrete from the club head itself, such that the stabilizingelement is removable (e.g., separable from and recoupable to the clubhead). For example, the stabilizing element may be releasably coupled tothe club head by way of any known releasable fastener or fastening means(e.g., adhesive, snap-fit, press-fit, etc.). Accordingly, a player mayselectively attach/detach the stabilizing element as they see fit, asopposed to some club designs which are limited to elements that arebuilt, or otherwise permanently fixed, to the club head. Therefore, insome embodiments, a player may be able to select from variety ofdifferent interchangeable stabilizing elements (e.g., provided in a kit)for use with an adjustable golf club head. While all of theinterchangeable stabilizing elements may generally minimize unintendedchanges that may otherwise occur when the golf club is held at addressin different positions or when loft or face angle of the club head isadjusted, each of the stabilizing elements may have different massproperties, graphics, appearance, and the like. Accordingly, theinterchangeable nature of the stabilizing element of the presentdisclosure provides a player with the ability to customize their golfclub to suit their preferences or playing characteristics, all whileminimizing unintended changes to the club head as a result of club headadjustments.

The removable nature of the stabilizing element further addressespotential drawbacks associated with the manufacturing of club headdesigns incorporating fixed or built-in components or features. Forexample, in certain club head designs, a feature may be incorporatedinto the overall form of the club head, such as a keel integrally formedon the sole of a club head. Manufacturing of such club head designs canbe difficult, particularly in instances in which the built-in featuremust have a relatively tight tolerance and any variation outside of thattolerance is unacceptable and may negatively impact or prevent theintended function of the built-in feature. For example, certain steps inthe manufacturing process of club head may naturally result in a certainamount of variation and inconsistency from club head to club head, suchas, for example, casting shrink, heat treatment deformations, stampingspring back, as well as hand polishing.

By providing a separate and discrete stabilizing element, thestabilizing element and golf club head can be manufactured separatelyunder separate conditions and by separate machines and processes.Accordingly, specific manufacturing techniques that provide a highdegree of precision and detail, which may otherwise be unavailable orimpractical when manufacturing the club head, may be used to manufacturethe stabilizing element and yield the tight tolerance that may berequired. For example, specific dimensions of the stabilizing element,including, but not limited to, length, width, and height, must generallybe within a certain range so as to allow the stabilizing element tofunction as intended, specifically to minimize unintended changes to theclub head, such as mitigate the change in relationship between the clubbalance point and ground contact point at address, that most oftenmanifests as a rotation to a “rest position” when adjustments are madeto the club head.

FIG. 1, panels D-F, show a prior art club head 11 positioned to producedifferent loft angles. In particular, panels D and A show prior art clubhead 11 having an 11.5° loft angle; panels E and B show prior art clubhead 11 having a 10° loft angle; and panels F and C show prior art clubhead 11 having an 8.5° loft angle. The invention mitigates thepositional change of the sole relative to a club balance point 41 indifferent loft angles when club head 11 has different face angles (e.g.,closed in panel A, neutral in panel B, and open in panel C).

FIG. 2 shows prior art golf club head 11. FIG. 2 includes high loftindicator 52 and low loft indicator 59 as well as high loft contactindicator 47 and low loft contact indicator 49. FIG. 2 further showshigh loft balance line 62 and low loft balance line 69 of prior art clubhead 11. As shown in FIG. 2, if prior art club head 11 is set with ahigh loft setting, it has a balance line 62 substantially fore (e.g.,between about 1 and about 5 cm) of corresponding contact point 47. Ifprior art club head 11 is set with a low loft setting, it has a balanceline 69 substantially aft of that corresponding contact point 49.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a golf club head at address according tocertain embodiments of the invention showing balance line 161 passingthrough grip point 187 and club center of gravity 181. Shaft axis 183passes through the center of a hosel of club head 101.

When a club is at address resting on a surface, grip point 187 andcontact point 42 together define an axis around which motion of the golfclub is relatively unrestrained. If balance line 161 intersects the solebehind the contact point, the club will rock open. If balance line 161intersects the sole in front of the contact point, the club will rockclosed.

Thus, the invention provides club head 101 having a sole with a contouror feature such that, if the club is held at address in a variety oforientations, then the contact point is within a controlled, limiteddistance from the point at which the balance line intersects the sole.Accordingly, the club can be held at address, yet in two differentorientations at different times. For example, a first address positioncan be offset from a second address position by a slight tilt (e.g.,either in a heel-toe direction, a fore-aft direction, or a combinationthereof) and the contact point will be within the contour or feature ineach address positions. In some embodiments, the sole is configured suchthat, when a golf club including the club head is held at address ineither of a first or second position, the club head makes contact with asurface only within a stabilizing element as described herein.

Thus the invention allows a club to be held in different addresspositions (e.g., as a player learns or experiments, due to groundinconsistencies, as one club is used by players of different height) andobtain a consistent, predictable club head orientation. Due to the factthat the club head makes contact with the ground within a controlledregion below the club balance point, the club will not “rock” intounintended orientations when held at address resting on a surface.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides club head 101 having asole with a contour or feature such that, if the club head is set in avariety of loft settings, then the contact point is within a controlled,limited distance from the point at which the balance line intersects thesole. Club head 101 can have an adjustable loft capable of being set inat least a first and second position. With the loft set in either of thefirst or second position, the club head can rest on the feature in oneof at least a first and second disposition allowing a player to grip theclub with a comfortable, relaxed grip in each position and with the faceangle maintained constant between each position.

The invention allows a player to adjust a loft setting, hold the club ataddress resting on a surface, and obtain a consistent, predictable faceangle. This benefit gives a player a reliable reference point whensetting up a shot in that the player can rest the club head on a surfaceand see the loft setting and the face angle (while the player holds theclub with a comfortable, relaxed grip). The player can then grip theclub and pick it up to make a shot, thereby obtaining the same relativeface angle for every shot.

FIG. 4 shows a prior art golf club head and FIG. 5 is a side view of agolf club head according to certain embodiments of the invention. FIG. 6shows the view of FIG. 5 with a prior art sole superimposed (dashedline). As shown in FIG. 5, a golf club according to the inventiongenerally has an area of relief on the sole providing a lower-mostregion 107 of the sole such that, if the club head is set in any of arange of loft angle settings, the contact point will be within region107, and the region has a limited width W in the fore-aft direction. Ingeneral, the width W of the region in the fore-aft direction will beless than about 50 mm, for example, less than about 25 mm. In someembodiments, the contact points associated with various loft settingswill be within less than about 20 or about 15 mm of each other in afore-aft direction.

FIGS. 7-11 show club heads of various embodiments of the invention. Aspresented herein throughout, no figure is limited to an embodimentillustrated by another figure. While a golf club head according to theinvention can exhibit all the views shown in FIGS. 7-11, a head having asole as shown in FIG. 10 need not have a crown as shown in FIG. 11, andso for any pair of figures herein. Except where otherwise indicated, anydisclosed measurement or definition of a measurement may apply to anyembodiment pictured or discussed herein.

As shown in FIGS. 7-11, club head 101 has a region 107 that is generallythe lowest area of the sole when the club head is at address. Region 107can be discussed with reference to boundaries. FIG. 12 is a side view ofa golf club head according to certain embodiments of the inventionshowing boundaries of regions of a sole.

As shown in FIG. 12, when club head 101 is at address on a plane 251,the foremost point of club head 101 defines a vertical plane at thefront 201 of club head 101. Face-sole boundary 203 can be used to markthe fore edge of the sole. Region 107 begins at fore boundary 205.Region 107 is bounded in the aft direction by aft boundary 211.

For the purposes of describing region 107 according to the discussionbelow, a rear sole boundary 213 is defined as a plane a distance E backfrom aft boundary 211 that is the same as a distance E between foreboundary 205 and face-sole boundary 203. The rear-most point of clubhead 101 defines a vertical plane at the back 217 of the head, parallelto the plane at the front 201 of the head, and both orthogonal to plane251.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a golf club head according to certainembodiments of the invention showing boundary regions of a sole. Foreboundary 205 and aft boundary 211 bound region 107 in the fore-aftdirection.

Generally a club head 101 may have a transition between a face and asole having length T (e.g., a rounded region, angled region, steppedregion, or sharp region). Face-sole boundary 203 marks an edge betweenthat transition and the substantially downward-facing sole. Rear soleboundary 213 is defined as the same distance E from aft boundary 211 asthe distance E between fore boundary 205 and face-sole boundary 203.Fore-aft line 255, perpendicular to front plane 201 and lying alongground plane 251 through a club contact point 42 can be used to measurethese distances.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate regions of a sole defined by these boundaries.Particular reference is made to fore sole 302, region 107, and aft sole502. Fore sole 302 is the area between fore boundary 205 and face-soleboundary 203. Region 107 is the area between fore boundary 205 and aftboundary 211. Aft sole 502 is the region between aft boundary 211 andrear boundary 213. By definition, aft sole 502 has the same extent E inthe fore-aft direction as fore sole 302.

FIG. 15 shows a detail view of the sole illustrated in FIG. 14, greatlyexaggerated in the vertical direction. As can be seen in FIG. 15, region107 presents the lowest area of the sole when the club head is ataddress. Further as can be seen in FIG. 15, club head 101 of theinvention makes contact with ground plane 251 within region 107 when ataddress.

Turning now to FIG. 17, which presents the same detail view as presentedin FIG. 15, dimensions of region 107 can be defined.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a distance between fore boundary 205 andaft boundary 211 measured along fore-aft line 255 can define a width Wof region 107. A distance between front 201 and fore boundary 205measured along fore-aft line 255 can define a setback S of region 107.

A length or extent E of fore sole 302 can be defined as a setback S ofregion 107 minus a length T of the face-sole transition. Alternatively,an extent E of fore sole 302 can be defined as an arbitrary measurementforward from fore boundary 205. Alternatively, in some embodiments, anextent E of fore sole 302 is equal to a width W of region 107. An extentE of aft sole 502 is, by definition, equal to an extent E of fore sole302.

When club head 101 is at address, the average distance of fore sole 302and aft sole 502 along fore-aft line 255 from ground plane 251 is shownby average sole height line 444. The vertical distance between heightline 444 and ground plane 251 can define a height H of region 107.

Region 107 can be described with reference to a length L measured in aheel-toe direction.

Thus, according to the foregoing discussion, club head 101 according toembodiments of the invention generally has a protruding region 107 onthe sole having a width W, a height H, and a length L, and being spacedaway from the face of the club by a setback S. FIG. 18 shows region 107having a generally rectangular shape in plan-view (i.e., map view).Region 107 need not have a rectangular shape in plan view and can beround, oblong, irregular, oval, curved, or any other shape. Generally,region 107 can be described with reference to width W, height H, andlength L as maximum width W, maximum height H, and maximum length L, andsetback S as minimum setback S.

Generally, S is greater than about 0.5 cm, L is more than about 0.5 cm,W is more than about 0.5 mm, and H is more than about 0.1 mm. In certainembodiments, S is between about 2.5 cm and about 3.5 cm; L is betweenabout 2.5 cm and about 12 cm; W is between about 3 mm and about 25 mm;and H is between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm. For example, S can bebetween about 2.8 cm and about 3.3 cm; L can be greater than about 1 cm;W can be between about 9 mm and about 20 mm; and H can be between about0.1 mm and about 3 mm. Any combination of measurements disclosed hereinis within the scope of the invention. For example, in certainembodiments, S is more than about 2.5 cm; L is greater than about 1 cm;W is between about 9 mm and about 20 mm; and H is between about 0.3 mmand about 2 mm.

Golf club head 101 having region 107 according to embodiments of theinvention exhibits desirable behaviors, particularly an adjustable loftthat does not affect the face angle when the club is at address.

As shown in FIG. 19, whether club head 101 has an 11.5° loft angle(panel D), a 10° loft angle (panel E), or an 8.5° loft angle (panel F),club head 101 exhibits a substantially neutral face angle. Further, thisrelationship holds for any face angle. If club head 101 is set to havean open face angle, for example, and the loft is adjusted, club head 101will still exhibit an open face angle (and so for a closed face angle).

Without being bound by any theory of operation, FIGS. 19 and 20illustrate properties of club head 101. When set with high loft 152,contact point 87 is close to balance line 162. When set with low loft159, contact point 89 is relatively close to balance line 169. In eachloft setting, club head 101 makes contact with the ground through aportion of the material within region 107.

FIG. 21 is a top view of club head 101. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectionalview of a golf club head according to certain embodiments of theinvention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21. Insome embodiments, club head 101 has a shape illustrated in FIGS. 22-33,however, FIGS. 22-33 can represent exaggerations of a shape of club head101. In general, these figures illustrate a general morphology, anddimensions may be referred to independently of any figure.

FIGS. 23A-C are each a cross-sectional views of a golf club headaccording to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a linecorresponding to line A-A′ in FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 23A, region 107may protrude down from club head 101 such that it has a length L in theheel-toe direction between about 5 cm and about 9 cm. As shown in FIG.23B, region 107 may smoothly span from the heel to the toe of club head101, such that it has a length L between about 9 cm and about 13 cm. Asshown in FIG. 23C, region 107 may have a length L between about 3 cm andabout 5 cm. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 23C, region 107 may be off-centerin a heel-toe dimension, in either direction or by any amount. In someembodiments, region 107 is centered, biased towards a heel, or biasedtowards a toe.

FIGS. 24-27 are cross-sectional views according to certain embodimentsof the invention, taken along a line corresponding to line B-B′ in FIG.21. As shown in FIG. 24. a setback S can be between about 3 cm and about6 cm or a width W can be between about 0.5 cm and about 4 cm. As shownin FIG. 25, a setback S can be between about 1 cm and about 3 cm, or awidth W can be between about 0.1 mm and about 9 mm. As shown in FIG. 26,a setback S can be between about 1 cm and about 3 cm, or a width W canbe between about 0.5 cm and about 6 cm. As shown in FIG. 27, a setback Scan be between about 0.5 cm and about 4 cm or a width W can be betweenabout 0.5 cm and about 4 cm.

As shown in FIGS. 24-27, an extent E of fore sole 302 (by definition,equal to an extent E of aft sole 502) can be between about 0.3 cm andabout 6 cm.

As discussed above, region 107 can be described with reference tolength, width, height, and setback. Independently or additionally region107 can be described according to other aspects of club head 101. Clubhead 101 will generally exhibit certain geometric properties asdescribed herein.

FIG. 28 shows a side view of club head 101 according to certainembodiments of the invention at address. As shown in FIG. 28, region 107is generally disposed between fore boundary 205 and aft boundary 211. Asshown in FIG. 28, club head 101 has a loft between about 10° and about11°.

Fore boundary 205 intersects ground plane 251 defining an intersectionline. A front plane 403 intersects this line at a setback distance Sfrom the front of the club, defining a fore angle 703 of X degrees withthe ground. Front plane 403 is tangent to the sole.

Aft boundary 211 intersects ground plane 251 along a line. A back plane407 intersects this line and is tangent to the sole. Back plane 407defines a back angle 707 of Y degrees with ground plane 251.

When club head 101 is at address and resting on a plane 251, the solemakes contact with the surface within region 107 and X+Y is greater than0°. In certain embodiments, X+Y is between about 0.01° and about 40°.Setback S and width W can each independently be any measurement. Forexample, setback S can be between about 5 mm and about 80 mm. Width Wcan be between about 1 mm and about 60 mm. Preferably, S is betweenabout 20 mm and about 40 mm, e.g., between about 30 mm and about 35 mm,while W is between about 5 mm and about 30 mm, e.g., between about 5 mmand about 15 mm or between about 15 mm and about 25 mm. Preferably X+Yis between about 3° and about 23° (e.g., between about 5° and about12°).

FIGS. 29-33 each show a cross-sectional view of a golf club headaccording to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a linecorresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21. As shown in FIGS. 29-33, a region107 can be provided on a club head such that a front plane 403 (tangentto the sole) meets ground plane 251 at fore boundary 205 to define afore angle 703 of X degrees with ground plane 251. Front plane 403 istangent to the sole. Similarly, back plane 407 (tangent to the sole)meets ground plane 251 at aft boundary 211 to define a back angle 707 ofY degrees with ground plane 251. When club head 101 is at address with aloft between about 10° and about 11°, each of X or Y may independentlybe between about 0.5° and about 8°, preferably between about 1° andabout 8°. In certain embodiments, either of X or Y is between about 0.5°and about 5° (e.g., X between about 1.5° and about 5° and Y betweenabout 0.5° and about 5°).

In a preferred embodiment, where club head 101 is part of a club havinga loft that is adjustable from a minimum loft P to a maximum loft Q, thefollowing will hold:

(X+Y)>(Q−P)  (1)

As shown in equation 1, fore angle 703 and back angle 707 togetherpreferably define a range equal to or greater than the total range ofadjustable loft for club head 101. Accordingly, in certain embodiments,a golf club is provided in which the loft can be set at two or moreeffective settings including a setting at about 8.5° loft and a settingat about 11.5° (range of adjustable loft is at least about 3°), and asole of the club head has a region 107 with boundaries that define afront plane 403 and a back plane 407 (both tangent to the sole) creatingangles with the ground that together are at least about 3°.

FIG. 29 shows a cross sectional view illustrating one embodiment of theinvention. As seen by comparing FIGS. 29-33, this geometry is attainablewith various combinations of setback S and width W and morphologies ofthe sole of club head 101.

Region 107 of club head 101 will generally satisfy at least one of theforegoing descriptions. A variety of embodiments are provided by theinvention. For example, FIG. 34 shows a bottom view of club head 101having a thin bar-like region 107 extending in a heel-toe direction.FIG. 35 shows a cross section view of a thin bar-like region 107. Asshown in FIG. 34 or FIG. 35, region 107 can have a setback S betweenabout 30 mm and about 35 mm or a width W between about 1 mm and about 9mm.

In some embodiments, region 107 is provided by a separate component. Forexample, FIG. 36 shows a separate component providing region 107. Thecomponent has one or more fastening holes 911 positioned to correspondto anchor holes 913 on club head 101. FIG. 37 shows club head 101 havingthe component installed.

In another example, FIG. 38 is a bottom view of a golf club head with anattachable feature according to certain embodiments of the invention. Asshown in FIG. 38, the attachable component is configured to fit with oneor more braze-ons or ramps (which may be welded, glued, riveted, molded,cast, or otherwise formed to club head 101). FIG. 39 shows a crosssectional view through fastening hole 911 and hardware element 917(e.g., a screw or bolt) of club head 101 with attachable region 107attached. FIG. 40 shows a bottom view of club head 101 with attachableregion 107 attached. As shown in FIG. 40, region 107 may be biased,e.g., in a heel direction. For example, in the heel-toe direction,region 107 may begin near the center of the sole, and have a length Lbetween about 1.5 cm and about 7.5 cm.

In another example, FIG. 41 is a bottom view of a golf club head with anattachable feature according to certain embodiments of the invention. Asshown in FIG. 41, region 107 is provided by an adhesive-backed element,here shown as a crack-and-peel accessory 803 (e.g., silicone polymer,rubber, molded or pliable plastic, cell phone, etc.). The sole of clubhead 101 can optionally be printed with registration marks 801 in anypattern, arrangement, color, or appearance, to show a suggestedinstallation position for adhesive-backed accessory 803. FIG. 42 is across-sectional view showing installed accessory 803 to provide a region107 meeting aspects of the region discussed above. FIG. 43 is a bottomview of club head 101 showing installed accessory 803.

FIGS. 44-46 show region 107 being provided by “irregular” ornon-rectangular areas of contours on the sole of club head 101. Thelines in FIG. 44 or FIG. 46 may represent contour lines and need not bevisible as lines on a sole. As shown in FIG. 44, region 107 may beprovided as a somewhat oblong bi-lobed shape. Region 107 could be ovalor teardrop shaped or any other shape. FIG. 46 shows region 107 providedby about six substantially parallel tear-drop shaped contours, forexample, to provide smooth turf interaction for club head 101.

FIGS. 47-50 show region 107 being provided by one or more discrete areasof relief. In FIGS. 47-50, a discrete area of relief is shown as acoin-shaped or button-like area, although any specific geometry isincluded in the invention. FIGS. 47, 48, and 49 show three, two, andone, respectively, areas of relief to provide region 107.

FIG. 50 shows region 107 provided by a single small area of relief.Region 107 can have a length L between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, awidth W between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, a height H between about 0.1mm and about 3 mm, and setback S between about 5 mm and about 6 cm.Region 107 may provide fore angle 703 of X degrees and back angle 707 ofY degrees where each of X or Y may independently be between about 0.1°and about 8°, preferably between about 0.5° and about 4° (e.g., whenclub head is set at its centermost effective loft). Preferably, X+Y isbetween about 0.5° and about 7° in any loft setting. In someembodiments, region 107 is provided by a dot or “point-point”projection, i.e., having any height H described herein with anarbitrarily small length L and width W (e.g., less than about 1 mm).

FIGS. 51 and 52 each present a cross-sectional view of a golf club headaccording to certain embodiments of the invention, taken along a linecorresponding to line B-B′ in FIG. 21.

FIGS. 53-64 illustrate various embodiments of a removable stabilizinginsert releasably couplable to a club head. As will be described herein,region 107 may be provided by a separate releasable component. Forexample, the following description refers to various embodiments of aremovable insert for golf club head and configured to optimizeperformance of adjustable golf clubs. As will be described in greaterdetail herein, the various embodiments of the stabilizing element aregenerally separate and discrete from the club head itself, such that thestabilizing element is removable (e.g., separable from and recoupable tothe club head). Accordingly, a player may selectively attach/detach thestabilizing element as they see fit, as opposed to some club designswhich are limited to elements that are built into, or otherwisepermanently fixed to, the club head. In some embodiments, each of thestabilizing inserts described herein may have substantially similar oridentical dimensions (e.g., width W, length L, setback S, and height H)as that of the region 107 previously described herein. Accordingly, whencoupled to the sole of a club head, the removable stabilizing insertsare configured to minimize unintended changes that may otherwise occurwhen the golf club is held at address in different positions or whenloft or face angle of the club head is adjusted. While each of thestabilizing inserts may have the same dimensions, the removable natureallows for customization of other properties of individual inserts, suchas varying the mass properties so as to allow for adjusting masscharacteristics of the club head (e.g., switch out different insertsdepending on desired weight), different graphics and appearance, and thelike. Accordingly, the removable nature of the stabilizing inserts ofthe present invention provides a player with the ability to customizetheir golf club to suit their preferences or playing characteristics,all while minimizing unintended changes to the club head as a result ofclub head adjustments.

FIG. 53 is a bottom view of a golf club head 101 illustrating aremovable stabilizing insert (also referred to herein as “stabilizingelement”) to be releasably coupled to the golf club head. As shown, theinsert 921 is generally separate and discrete from the club head 101,such that the stabilizing insert 921 is removable (e.g., separable fromand recoupable to the club head 102). Accordingly, a player mayselectively attach/detach the stabilizing element as they see fit, asopposed to some club designs which are limited to elements that arebuilt-into, or otherwise permanently fixed to, the club head. The clubhead 101 may generally include one or more mounting portions 919 alongone or more areas of the club head 101 configured to receive and/orretain the stabilizing insert 921. For example, as shown and describedherein, the club head 101 includes at least one mounting portion 919 onthe sole 102.

As will be described in greater detail herein, the mounting portion 919may include different embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, themounting portion 919 resembles a cavity or recess defined on theexterior of the club head, shaped and/or sized to receive a portion ofthe insert 921 within and retain the insert 921 by a releasable fasteneror other fastening means (e.g., adhesive, press-fit, snap-fit, etc.). Inother embodiments, the mounting portion 919 may include an apertureformed on the sole extending from an interior cavity to an exteriorsurface of the club head. In this embodiment, the insert 921 isconfigured to be mounted to the aperture 919 from within the interiorcavity of the club head, such that a portion of the insert 921 ispositioned within the interior cavity while another portion extendsthrough the aperture 919 and protrudes from the sole. The insert 921 maybe coupled to the aperture by a releasable fastener or other fasteningmeans (e.g., adhesive, press-fit, snap-fit, etc.). Accordingly, in thisembodiment, the stabilizing insert 921 may be “dropped in” the mountingportion from within the interior cavity of the club head. Thus, the clubhead itself may have an access portion, or other portion, for providinga player with access into the interior cavity.

As shown in FIG. 54, upon coupling the stabilizing insert 921 to themounting portion 919, the stabilizing insert 921 is mounted to the sole102 of the club head and configured to minimize unintended changes tothe club head 101 that may otherwise occur when a golf club, includingthe club head 101 and stabilizing insert 921, is held at address indifferent positions or when loft or face angle of the club head isadjusted. For example, the stabilizing insert 921 functions similarly asregion 107 previously described herein. More specifically, thestabilizing insert is configured to mitigate the change in relationshipbetween the club balance point and ground contact point at address, thatmost often manifests as a rotation to a “rest position” when adjustmentsare made to the club head. When coupled to the club head, thestabilizing insert of the present invention is further configured toprovide a lowest region of the sole of the club head to contact theground in any effective club setting. For a club having the stabilizinginsert coupled to the sole, the spatial relationship between contactpoint and balance point is substantially the same in different settings.Thus, a club head that includes the stabilizing insert of the presentinvention does not exhibit a problematic interrelationship betweendifferent address positions or adjustable loft and face angle settings,thereby overcoming the drawbacks associated with current adjustable clubhead designs.

FIG. 55 is a bottom view of a golf club head including the removablestabilizing insert 921 showing measurements of the stabilizing insert921. As previously described with reference to FIG. 3, when a club is ataddress resting on a surface, grip point 187 and contact point 42together define an axis around which motion of the golf club isrelatively unrestrained. If balance line 161 intersects the sole behindthe contact point, the club will rock open. If balance line 161intersects the sole in front of the contact point, the club will rockclosed.

The stabilizing insert 921, similar to the region 107 describedpreviously herein, has dimensions or contours such that, if a golf clubincluding the club head 101 is held at address in a variety oforientations, then the contact point is within a controlled, limiteddistance from the point at which the balance line intersects the sole.Accordingly, the club can be held at address, yet in two differentorientations at different times. For example, a first address positioncan be offset from a second address position by a slight tilt (e.g.,either in a heel-toe direction, a fore-aft direction, or a combinationthereof) and the contact point will be within the contour or feature ineach address positions. In some embodiments, the stabilizing insert 921is configured such that, when a golf club including the club head 101 isheld at address in either of a first or second position, the club head101 makes contact with a surface only within the boundaries of thestabilizing insert 921.

Accordingly, the invention allows a club to be held in different addresspositions (e.g., as a player learns or experiments, due to groundinconsistencies, as one club is used by players of different height) andobtain a consistent, predictable club head orientation. Due to the factthat the club head 101 makes contact with the ground within a controlledregion below the club balance point, the club will not “rock” intounintended orientations when held at address resting on a surface.

In certain embodiments, the stabilizing element is configured such that,if the club head 101 is set in a variety of loft settings, then thecontact point is within a controlled, limited distance from the point atwhich the balance line intersects the sole. Club head 101 can have anadjustable loft capable of being set in at least a first and secondposition. With the loft set in either of the first or second position,the club head can rest on the feature in one of at least a first andsecond disposition allowing a player to grip the club with acomfortable, relaxed grip in each position and with the face anglemaintained constant between each position. Thus, due to the stabilizingelement 921, a player may adjust a loft setting, hold the club ataddress resting on a surface, and obtain a consistent, predictable faceangle. This benefit gives a player a reliable reference point whensetting up a shot in that the player can rest the club head on a surfaceand see the loft setting and the face angle (while the player holds theclub with a comfortable, relaxed grip). The player can then grip theclub and pick it up to make a shot, thereby obtaining the same relativeface angle for every shot.

As shown in FIG. 55, when coupled to the mounting portion 919, thestabilizing insert 921 has a set of dimensions, including, but notlimited to, a width W, a length L (measured in heel-toe direction), andbeing spaced away from the face of the club by a setback S. Furthermore,as shown in FIG. 57, the stabilizing insert 921, when coupled to themounting portion 919, further protrudes from the sole 102 by a height H.It should be noted that, although FIG. 55 shows the stabilizing insert921 as having a generally rectangular shape in plan-view (i.e., mapview), the insert 921 may need not have a rectangular shape in plan viewand can be round, oblong, irregular, oval, curved, or any other shape.

Generally, the stabilizing insert 921 can be described with reference towidth W, height H, and length L as maximum width W, maximum height H,and maximum length L, and setback S as minimum setback S. The height His defined as, when the club head 101 is held at address resting on flatground, the average distance from the ground of points on the perimeterof the stabilizing insert 921 directly fore and aft of a ground contactpoint (e.g., see FIGS. 24-27).

Generally, S is greater than about 0.5 cm, L is more than about 0.5 cm,W is more than about 0.5 mm, and H is more than about 0.1 mm. In certainembodiments, S is between about 1.5 cm and about 3.5 cm; L is betweenabout 2.5 cm and about 12 cm; W is between about 3 mm and about 25 mm;and H is between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm. For example, S can bebetween about 2.8 cm and about 3.3 cm; L can be greater than about 1 cm;W can be between about 9 mm and about 20 mm; and H can be between about0.1 mm and about 3 mm. Any combination of measurements disclosed hereinis within the scope of the invention. For example, in certainembodiments, S is more than about 2.5 cm; L is greater than about 1 cm;W is between about 9 mm and about 20 mm; and H is between about 0.3 mmand about 2 mm.

A golf club head 101 having the stabilizing insert 921 according toembodiments of the invention exhibits desirable behaviors, particularlyan adjustable loft that does not affect the face angle when the club isat address. For example, specific dimensions of the stabilizing insert921, including, but not limited to, length L, width W, and height H, andsetback S, must generally be within a certain range so as to allow thestabilizing insert 921 to function as intended, specifically to minimizeunintended changes to the club head, such as maintain a constant faceangle, regardless of changes to a loft setting of the club head.

In addition to maintaining a club face angle despite adjustments to theclub head, the removable stabilizing inserts 921 of the presentinvention provide additional benefits. For example, the removable natureof the stabilizing insert addresses potential drawbacks associated themanufacturing of club head designs incorporating fixed or built-incomponents or features.

As previously described, certain club head designs include features thatmay be incorporated into the overall form of the club head, such as akeel integrally formed on the sole of a club head. The manufacturing ofsuch club head designs can be difficult, particularly in instances inwhich the built-in feature must have a relatively tight tolerance andany variation outside of that tolerance is unacceptable and maynegatively impact or prevent the intended function of built-in feature.By providing a separate and discrete stabilizing insert, the stabilizinginsert and golf club head of the present invention can be manufacturedseparately under separate conditions and by separate machines andprocesses. Accordingly, specific manufacturing techniques that provide ahigh degree of precision and detail, which may otherwise be unavailableor impractical when manufacturing the club head, may be used tomanufacture the stabilizing insert and yield the tight tolerance thatmay be required. For example, the stabilizing insert can be manufacturedby a variety of different machines and techniques, including, but notlimited to, CNC machined, forged, metal injection molding, cast,injection molded, and the like. Accordingly, the specific dimensions ofthe stabilizing insert, including, but not limited to, length, width,height, and setback, which must generally be within a certain range soas to allow the stabilizing insert to function as intended, can bemaintained.

Furthermore, because the stabilizing insert and club head are separatelymanufactured, a plurality of interchangeable stabilizing inserts can bemanufactured (e.g., provided in a kit), wherein a player may furthercustomize and personalize their club head to suit their preferences orplaying characteristics based on the interchangeability of the inserts.For example, while each stabilizing element includes the samedimensions, the removable nature allows for customization of otherproperties of individual inserts, such as varying the mass propertiesbetween inserts so as to allow for modification of mass characteristicsof the club head (e.g., a player switches out different insertsdepending on desired weight and resulting playing characteristic),different graphics and appearance, and the like. Accordingly, theremovable nature of the stabilizing inserts of the present inventionprovides a player with the ability to customize their golf club to suittheir preferences or playing characteristics, all while minimizingunintended changes to the club head as a result of club headadjustments.

The stabilizing insert 921 of the present invention may be made of anysuitable material, including metals, non-metallic materials, composites,ceramics, polymers, and the like. In some embodiments, the stabilizinginsert may be formed of carbon steel, stainless steel, carbon fiber,tungsten, tungsten loaded polymer, combinations of one or more of thesematerials, and the like. In some embodiments, at least a portion of thestabilizing insert may be formed of a flexible material to allow somebending or flex. In other embodiments, some portions of the stabilizinginsert may be formed of stiffer materials. In some embodiments, one ormore portions of the stabilizing element may be formed of a metalmaterial, such as aluminum or steel, and forged into the desired shape.In some embodiments, one or more portions of the stabilizing element maybe formed using molding techniques, such as injection molding.

FIG. 56 is a top view of a golf club head 101 with a portion of thecrown removed so as to provide a view into an interior cavity of thegolf club head and further illustrate attachment of a removablestabilizing insert to a mounting portion on the sole of the club head.FIG. 57 is sectional view of the golf club head 101 taken along linesC-C of FIG. 56. As shown, the mounting portion on the sole 102 of theclub head 101 may include an aperture 919 a. The aperture 919 a extendsthrough the sole 102 of the club head 101, from an interior cavity 108to an exterior 109 of the club head 101. The aperture 919 a generallyincludes similar dimensions as that of a portion of the stabilizinginsert 921 a to pass through the aperture 919 a and protrude from thesole 102. For example, the aperture 919 a generally has substantiallythe same length L and width W (may be slightly larger for accommodation)as the portion of the stabilizing insert 921 a that is to protrude fromthe sole 102 and function as intended. Furthermore, the aperture 919 ais formed along a portion of the sole 102 and spaced away from the face106 of the club head 101 by a setback S distance.

As show in FIG. 57, when coupling the stabilizing insert 921 a to theaperture 919 a, the stabilizing insert 921 a is configured to be“dropped in” the aperture 919 a from within the interior cavity 108 ofthe club head 101. For example, when coupled to the club head 101, thestabilizing insert 921 a has a first portion configured to remainpositioned within the interior cavity 108 and a second portion thatextends through the aperture 919 a to the exterior 109 of the club head101. Thus, the club head 101 may have an access portion, or otherportion, for providing a player with access into the interior cavity108. Exemplary club heads having accessible interiors are discussed inGolf Club Head with Removable Component, U.S. Publication 2014/0187346,Golf Club Head with Accessible Interior, U.S. Publication 2014/0228142,Golf Club Head with Accessible Interior, U.S. Publication 2014/0349777,and Releasable Threaded Component for a Golf Club Having a Mechanism forPreventing Over Rotation, U.S. Publication 2015/0190687, the contents ofeach of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIG. 58 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sole 102 of the golfclub head 101 illustrating the removable stabilizing inert 921 a coupledto the aperture 919 a. FIG. 59 is an enlarged cross-sectional viewillustrating the removable stabilizing inert 921 a removed fromengagement with the aperture 919 a. As shown, the stabilizing insert 921a includes a first portion 923 including a flange member 929 extendingalong a perimeter of the insert 921 a and a second portion including aprotruding member 925 extending from the flange member 923.

As shown in FIG. 58, the insert 921 a is configured to be releasablycoupled to the aperture 919 a, as indicated by arrow 927. Thestabilizing insert 921 a may be releasably couplable to the aperture 919a by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and apress-fit means. For example, when coupled to the aperture 919 a, theflange member 929 is configured to contact an interior surface 931 ofthe sole 102 along a perimeter of the aperture 919 a, as indicated byarrow 933. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a releasable adhesive may beplaced between the flange member 929 and the interior surface 931.Additionally, or alternatively, one or more portions of the stabilizinginsert 921 a may be configured to interact with the aperture 919 a in asnap-fit or press-fit manner. For example, a portion of the protrudingmember 925 adjacent the flange member 929 may have a width and/or lengthslightly greater than a width and/or length of the aperture 919 a suchthat, upon applying sufficient pressure to the insert 921 a, theprotruding member 925 may engage the aperture 919 a via a press- orsnap-fit manner. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a portion of theprotruding member 925 or aperture 919 a may be deformable so as toprovide a press- or snap-fit between one another.

Upon being coupled to the aperture 919 a, the protruding member 925 isconfigured to extend through the aperture 919 a to the exterior 109 ofthe club head 101. Accordingly, the protruding member 925 is configuredto protrude from the sole 102 by a height H. Accordingly, at least theprotruding member 925 has the specific set of dimensions, including, butnot limited to, height H that it protrudes from the sole, a width W, alength L (measured in heel-toe direction), and being spaced away fromthe face of the club by a setback S.

FIGS. 60 and 61 are perspective bottom views of a golf club headillustrating another embodiment of a stabilizing insert 921 b releasablycouplable to another embodiment of a mounting portion 919 b on the soleof the club head. As shown, the mounting portion 919 b may include acavity or recess 935 defined on the exterior of the sole 102 club head101 and configured to receive at least a portion of a stabilizing insert921 b within.

FIG. 62 is a sectional view of the golf club head 101 taken along lineE-E of FIG. 61. FIGS. 63 and 64 are enlarged cross-sectional viewsillustrating the removable stabilizing insert 921 b coupled to andremoved from the recess 919 b, respectively. As shown, the recess 935 isformed on the exterior of the club head 101. Thus, in order to couplethe insert 921 b to the mounting portion 919 a, a player need onlyreleasably attach the insert 921 b to the recess 935, which has acorresponding shape and/or size and is configured to receive at least aportion of the insert 921 b within. The insert 921 b includes a firstportion configured to be received within the recess 935 and the secondportion extending from the first portion of the stabilizing insert 921 band further extends from the recess. The first portion includes a basemember 937 having at least bottom surface configured to contact aninterior surface of the recess 935 when the stabilizing insert 921 b iscoupled to the recess 935. The second portion includes a protrudingmember 939 extending from the base member 937 and protruding from thesole by height H.

The recess 935 generally includes similar dimensions as that of the basemember 937 of the stabilizing insert 921 b. For example, the recess 935generally has substantially the same length L and width W (may beslightly larger for accommodation) as the base member 937. Furthermore,the recess 935 is formed along a portion of the sole 102 and spaced awayfrom the face 106 of the club head 101 by a setback S distance. Therecess 935 may have a depth sufficient to allow the protruding member939 to protrude from the sole 102 within the specific range previouslydescribed herein (e.g., 0.3 mm to 2 mm).

As shown in FIG. 64, the insert 921 b is configured to be releasablycoupled to the recess 935, as indicated by arrow 941. The stabilizinginsert 921 b may be releasably couplable to the recess 935 by way of atleast one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means. Forexample, when coupled to the recess 935, the bottom surface of the basemember 937 is configured to contact an interior surface of the recess935. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a releasable adhesive may be placedbetween the interior surface of the recess 935 and at least the bottomsurface of the base member 937. Additionally, or alternatively, one ormore portions of the stabilizing insert 921 b may be configured tointeract with the recess 935 in a snap-fit or press-fit manner. Forexample, a portion of the base member 937 may have a width or lengthslightly greater than a width or length of the recess 935, such that,upon applying sufficient pressure to the insert 921 b, the base member937 may engage the recess 935 via a press- or snap-fit manner.Accordingly, in some embodiments, a portion of the base member 937 orrecess 935 may be deformable so as to provide a press- or snap-fitbetween one another.

Upon being coupled to the recess 935, the protruding member 939protrudes from the sole 102 by a height H. Accordingly, at least theprotruding member 929 has the specific set of dimensions, including, butnot limited to, height H that it protrudes from the sole, a width W, alength L (measured in heel-toe direction), and being spaced away fromthe face of the club by a setback S.

In various embodiments, region 107 (including the stabilizing insert ofFIGS. 53-64) is provided on drivers, hybrids, woods, and irons. Byproviding a club head including a stabilizing element of the invention,a club can be made to provide a golfer with two or more reliable rangesfor shot distances.

As generally understood, a set of golf clubs will typically include 14clubs, each intended for hitting the golf ball a certain range. Forexample, a golfer may have a driver, a 2 wood, a 5 wood, 3-9 irons, 3wedges, and a putter. The variations are as numerous as the temperamentsof the players. Some golfers will have a driver, a wood, a hybrid, sixirons, four wedges, and a putter.

Drivers are used for very long shots—drives—off the tee whereas wedgesare used for short shots. With a given club, a golfer will be able toreliably make good shots over a certain range of distances. While theprecise numbers will vary from golfer to golfer, Table 1 lists anexemplary set of golf clubs and, for each, shows the distance rangewithin which the club will perform reliably for the golfer.

TABLE 1 Distance range for reliable shots by club for a hypotheticalgolfer Distance range Club (yards) Club Distance range 1 wood (driver)225-260 8 iron 125-135 3 wood 205-225 9 iron 115-125 5 wood 185-205Pitch wedge 105-115 3 iron 175-185 Gap wedge  95-105 4 iron 165-175 Sandwedge 85-95 5 iron 155-165 Lob wedge 75-85 6 iron 145-155 Putter On thegreen 7 iron 135-145

As can be seen from Table 1, club designers have engineered clubs that,taken as a set, provide reliable performance over a wide range ofdistances.

However, Table 1 lists 15 clubs and PGA rules allow 14 clubs in a set.So choosing a set of golf clubs requires choosing a range of distancesfor which your clubs provide poor coverage. For example, many golferswill choose to have all the clubs listed in Table 1 but the 5 wood. Thehypothetical golfer of Table 1, leaving behind their 5 wood, would haveno club well-suited to 200 yard shots.

Some golfers may try to fill their distance gap by using a hybrid. Table1 shows an exemplary club set including two hybrids, and a set of rangesthat a hypothetical golfer may be able to reliably hit the ball usingthose clubs.

TABLE 2 Distance range for reliable shots by club for a hypotheticalgolfer Distance range Club (yards) Club Distance range 1 wood (driver)225-260 8 iron 125-135 3 wood 205-225 9 iron 115-125 19° hybrid 185-205Pitch wedge 105-115 22° hybrid 175-185 Gap wedge  95-105 Sand wedge85-95 5 iron 155-165 Lob wedge 75-85 6 iron 145-155 Putter On the green7 iron 135-145

As can be seen in Table 2, this set has a problematic gap for shots thatmust travel 165 to 180 yards. Table 3 shows another exemplary set that agolfer may employ.

TABLE 3 Distance range for reliable shots by club for a hypotheticalgolfer Distance range Club (yards) Club Distance range 1 wood (driver)225-260 8 iron 125-135 3 wood 205-225 9 iron 115-125 5 wood 185-205Pitch wedge 105-115 Gap wedge  95-105 25° hybrid 165-175 Sand wedge85-95 5 iron 155-165 Lob wedge 75-85 6 iron 145-155 Putter On the green7 iron 135-145

The set shown in Table 3 is plagued by a gap at 180 to 195 yards.

Thus, for many golfers, a set of clubs inherently defines a gap in thedistances that their shots can cover. This gap has been described as the‘distance gap’. The persistence of the distance gap problem is evidencedby the tips that golfers exchange on the course, “Choke up on the handleof your 5 wood to take 5 yards off!” or, “Strengthen your grip on your 4iron to add 5 yards.”

In one embodiment, the invention generally provides a set of golf clubs,each having a shaft with a club head and a grip on opposing ends. Atleast one club of the set is an adjustable club in that it has anadjustment mechanism operable to provide two or more effective loftsettings. The adjustable club may include a stabilizing mechanism thatgives the club the same face angle while having any of the two or moreeffective loft settings. By these means, the club can play (at least)“double duty” in a golfer's set. This way, a golfer can get clubs suitedfor 15 different types of shots out of 14 individual clubs. Table 4lists an exemplary club set made to include an adjustable hybrid.

TABLE 4 Exemplary club set including adjustable hybrid. Distance rangeClub (yards) Club Distance range 1 wood (driver) 225-260 8 iron 125-1353 wood/16 h 205-225 9 iron 115-125 19°|22° adj hybrid 175-185, 185-205Pitch wedge 105-115 Gap wedge  95-105 25° hybrid 165-175 Sand wedge85-95 5 iron 155-165 Lob wedge 75-85 6 iron 145-155 Putter On the green7 iron 135-145

While generally presented here in terms of the longer-range clubs (e.g.,woods, hybrids, and irons), any club can be made adjustable. Further,the tables presented herein are illustrative of ranges that somehypothetical golfer may get out of their personal set of clubs, and itwill be appreciated that the invention provides the operative idea of aset of clubs for any golfer, whatever range values obtain for thatgolfer for their clubs personally. Thus, the specific ranges shownherein are not limiting and merely illustrate the operation of theinventive concept.

For example, some golfer out there may derive great satisfaction fromtheir 3 wood and their 5 wood. This golfer may normally forgo the use ofa 3 iron, and thus have a problematic distance gap between their 4 ironand their 5 wood. Make use of an adjustable club of the invention, thishypothetical golfer may solve this problem by equipping themselves withan adjustable hybrid having a 25° loft angle and a 22° loft angle, andleaving behind both their 3 iron and their 4 iron. This golfer's golfbag would then include the clubs listed in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Contents of golf bag of golfer using inventive club set with 3wood and 5 wood. Distance range Club (yards) Club Distance range 1 wood(driver) 225-260 8 iron 125-135 3 wood/16 h 205-225 9 iron 115-125 5wood/19 h 185-205 Pitch wedge 105-115 Gap wedge  95-105 25°|22° adjhybrid 165-175, 175-185 Sand wedge 85-95 5 iron 155-165 Lob wedge 75-856 iron 145-155 Putter On the green 7 iron 135-145

To contrast the example given with respect to Table 5, some other golfermay personally prefer to not use hybrids. This other golfer hastraditionally gone to the course without a 5 wood, instead just carryinga 3 wood, a 3 iron, a 4 iron, and so on. This golfer may now obtain anadjustable wood according to the invention, the adjustable woodproviding the role of a 3 wood and a 5 wood. This golfer's set isrepresented as now listed in table 6.

The ability of a club head of the invention to provide two or morereliable ranges for a given golfer relates to the provision of astabilizing element, generally protruding from the sole of a club. Theinvention proceeds from the insight that prior art adjustable clubsprovided poor playability due to poor control over face angle when aloft angle was adjusted.

To contrast the example given with respect to Table 5, some other golfermay personally prefer to not use hybrids. This other golfer hastraditionally gone to the course without a 5 wood, instead just carryinga 3 wood, a 3 iron, a 4 iron, and so on. This golfer may now obtain anadjustable wood according to the invention, the adjustable woodproviding the role of a 3 wood and a 5 wood. This golfer's set isrepresented as now listed in table 6.

TABLE 6 Golf club set of invention for golfer who disfavors hybrids.Distance range Club (yards) Club Distance range 1 wood (driver) 225-2608 iron 125-135 3|5 adj wood 185-205, 205-225 9 iron 115-125 Pitch wedge105-115 3 iron 175-185 Gap wedge  95-105 4 iron 165-175 Sand wedge 85-955 iron 155-165 Lob wedge 75-85 6 iron 145-155 Putter On the green 7 iron135-145

The invention generally relates to a feature on the sole of a club headthat protrudes and stabilizes the club head in two or more positionswhen a club is at address. In various embodiments, region 107 isprovided on drivers, hybrids, woods, and irons. By providing a club headincluding a stabilizing element of the invention, a club can be made toprovide a golfer with two or more reliable ranges for shot distances.

The ability of a club head of the invention to provide two or morereliable ranges for a given golfer relates to the provision of astabilizing element, generally protruding from the sole of a club. Theinvention proceeds from the insight that prior art adjustable clubsprovided poor playability due to poor control over face angle when aloft angle was adjusted.

By providing a club head including a stabilizing element of theinvention, a club can be made to provide a golfer with two or morereliable ranges for shot distances. To illustrate, a golfer may includein their bag the fourteen clubs listed in Table 7 to take advantage ofthe invention.

TABLE 7 Club set according to certain embodiments. Distance range Club(yards) Club Distance range 1 wood (driver) 225-260 8 iron 125-135 3wood 205-225 9 iron 115-125 19° hybrid 195-205 Pitch wedge 105-115 22°hybrid 175-185 Gap wedge  95-105 Sand wedge 85-95 29°|25° adj hybrid155-165, 165-175 Lob wedge 75-85 6 iron 145-155 Putter On the green 7iron 135-145

The set shown in Table 7 includes an adjustable hybrid having at leasttwo loft settings: 29° and 25°.

Golf rules generally allow fourteen clubs in a bag. Many golfersexperience a distance-gapping problem only among or within certain partsof their sets. In some embodiments, the invention solves a golfer'sdistance-gapping problem by providing a set of golf clubs includingfewer than fourteen clubs (e.g., two clubs, three clubs, four clubs, . .. ) for the golfer to use with other of their clubs to fill their bag.One insight of the invention is that the beneficial results of the setinclude the results provided by replacing the club that is “adjacent” tothe distance-gap in a golfer's range list. Thus there is great value tomany golfers in providing a set of two or three clubs, at least one ofwhich is an adjustable club according to the invention.

For example, a golfer having the clubs listed in Table 1 may purchase aset including an adjustable wood and two adjustable hybrids. This golfermay then use this new set of adjustable clubs instead of their 3 wood, 5wood, 3 iron, and 4 iron, to arrive at the clubs listed in Table 8.

TABLE 8 14 clubs including 3 adjustable clubs of invention. Distancerange Club (yards) Club Distance range 1 wood (driver) 225-260 8 iron125-135 4|3 adj wood/16 h 190-210, 9 iron 115-125 205-225 19°|16° adjhybrid 185-205, 205-225 Pitch wedge 105-115 Gap wedge  95-105 25°|22°adj hybrid 165-175, 175-185 Sand wedge 85-95 5 iron 155-165 Lob wedge75-85 6 iron 145-155 Putter On the green 7 iron 135-145

That is to say, a set of clubs according to the invention can be fewerthan 14 or 14 clubs. Table 9 gives another exemplary set of 14 clubsaccording to the invention.

TABLE 9 Exemplary set of 14 clubs. Golfer may purchase only first 3 asset and may already own the other 11, or the golfer may purchase all 14as a set. Distance range Club (yards) Club Distance range 1 wood(driver) 225-260 8 iron 125-135 3|5 adj wood 185-205, 205-225 9 iron115-125 Pitch wedge 105-115 25°|22° adj hybrid 165-175, 175-185 Gapwedge  95-105 4 iron 165-175 Sand wedge 85-95 5 iron 155-165 Lob wedge75-85 6 iron 145-155 Putter On the green 7 iron 135-145

In certain embodiments, a wood is provided in which the loft can be setat two or more effective settings including a setting at about 13° loftand a setting at about 16° (range of adjustable loft is at least about3°), and a sole of the club head has a region 107 with boundaries thatdefine a front plane 403 and a back plane 407 (both tangent to the sole)creating angles with the ground that together are at least about 3°. Incertain embodiments, a hybrid is provided in which the loft can be setat two or more effective settings including a setting at about 16° loftand a setting at about 25° (range of adjustable loft is at least about9°), and a sole of the club head has a region 107 with boundaries thatdefine a front plane 403 and a back plane 407 (both tangent to the sole)creating angles with the ground that together are at least about 9°. Incertain embodiments, an iron is provided in which the loft can be set attwo or more effective settings and a sole of the club head has a region107 with boundaries that define a front plane 403 and a back plane 407(both tangent to the sole) creating angles with the ground that togetherare at least the difference between the two effective settings.

The inventive method of providing a set of golf clubs can be employed tobeneficially improve a golfer's game. The method includes receivinginformation about a golfer and the hitting ranges with the golfer'sclubs. With this information, one identifies a distance gap in thegolfer's hitting ranges.

Then, one may select an adjustable club of the invention that covers thegolfer's distance gap. A set of clubs including the selected club isprovided to the golfer. Table 10 shows an exemplary set that may beprovided to a hypothetical golfer by methods of the invention.

TABLE 10 Distance range for reliable shots by club for a hypotheticalgolfer Distance range Club (yards) Club Distance range 1 wood (driver)225-260 8 iron 125-135 3 wood 205-225 9 iron 115-125 5 wood 185-205Pitch wedge 105-115 Gap wedge  95-105 25°|22° adj hybrid 165-175,175-185 Sand wedge 85-95 5 iron 155-165 Lob wedge 75-85 6 iron 145-155Putter On the green 7 iron 135-145

The method may be implemented through the use of a computer, eitherwithin a store or other facility or over the Internet. Thus in someembodiments, the method includes saving the information to a tangible,non-transitory memory operably coupled to a processor in a computerapparatus and using the processor in the identifying, determining, andselecting steps.

In certain aspects, the invention provides methods and systems formaking, shipping, stocking, and selling golf clubs requiring only asingle club head that satisfies consumer demand for different lofts andaesthetic features. For each of a plurality of customers, a golf clubcan be provided having a selected color, graphical depiction, loft,and/or face angle.

Due to the fact that a single club head of the invention can provide aclub with a variety of features, such as color, graphics, and settingsfor loft or face angle, a store can stock fewer different club headsthan would be required if only prior art club heads were available. Thusthe invention allows for a configurable golf club to be provided thatallows, for example, a store to sell golf clubs having a large number ofconfigurations while only stocking a small number of club heads, shafts,and related hardware.

Accordingly, a golf club head having a sole with region 107 according toembodiments of the invention is provided for use with reconfigurable andinterchangeable combinations of golf club parts (e.g., shafts, heads,ferrules, etc.). Mechanisms and methods for setting different clubconfigurations are described in Interchangeable Shaft System, U.S. Pub.2009/0197694; Interchangeable Shaft System, U.S. Pub. 2009/0264214;Interchangeable Shaft System, U.S. Pat. No. 7,699,717; InterchangeableShaft System, U.S. Pub. 2011/0143854; Interchangeable Shaft and ClubHead Connection System, U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,921; Interchangeable Shaftand Club Head Connection System, U.S. Pub. 2010/0261543; InterchangeableShaft and Club head Connection System, U.S. Pub. 2009/0247316; QuickRelease Connection System for Golf Clubs, U.S. Pub. 2008/0125239;Two-Part Hosel Connection System for Golf Clubs, U.S. Pub. 2008/0254909;and Interchangeable Shaft for a Golf Club, U.S. Pat. No. 7,476,160, thecontents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

Due to the fact that a club head of the invention prevents unwanteddeviations from an intended orientation when held at address indifferent positions, a club head having a sole with region 107 accordingto embodiments of the invention is provided for use with any golf club(i.e., clubs that are not interchangeable, adjustable, orreconfigurable, as well as those that are). The invention provides aclub head that can be permanently affixed to a shaft as well as othernon-adjustable clubs.

Due to the fact that a club head of the invention enables a supplier(e.g., a store, pro-shop, wholesaler, sales rep, manufacturer, etc.) tooffer a wider variety of clubs while stocking fewer independent parts,the invention provides the ability for a supplier to carry a greatervariety of parts as defined by some other property, such as color,model, or trim level. For example, because a supplier can fit a customerwith a driver having any loft and face angle using a single club head, acertain driver type can be provided for a large variety of customersusing only a single stock-keeping unit (SKU) in a database or inventorysystem of the supplier. This means, relative to a supplier not using aclub head of the invention, a large number of SKUs are “freed up” andcan be used for other products. Similarly, a large amount of displayspace and storage space in the supply chain is likewise made available.Thus, these freed up resources can be used to provide clubs having, forexample, a variety of colors.

Club heads of the invention enable suppliers to provide a variety ofdifferent clubs (e.g., requiring different SKUs, for example, one foreach different color), where before, suppliers were limited to usingthose resources (SKUs and space) to carry enough versions of a singleclub head to satisfy the fitting requirements of a number of differentcustomers.

The invention results in unexpected efficiencies in the manufacturingprocess because a club head can be brought to market having a variety offits with only one form factor, a single manufacturing tool (e.g., mold)is required, thus lowering the cost of bringing a product to market. Thesingle manufacturing tool can be used to produce club heads having avariety of colors, finishes, or “trim levels.” Generally, trim levelincludes a brand name, decorative element, functional accessories,price, or combination thereof. For example, a driver may be sold havinga single club head, but given both an SE and LE (e.g., “special edition”and “luxury edition”) trim level, including silver stripes and a rubbergrip on the SE model while having gold stripes, leather grip, andelectronic components on the LE model. Also, the single manufacturingtool can be used to produce club heads having a variety of colors.

Because club heads that fit a variety of golfers can be made with asingle tool, resources are freed to make club heads in a variety ofcolors and, more specifically, color can be provided in smaller runs,e.g., changed on a batch-by-batch basis. In some embodiments, theinvention provides a set of club heads having a shared form factor andin a variety of colors. Club heads can be primary and secondary colors,fluorescent colors, regular or irregular patterns (e.g., plaid,speckled, tie-dyed, marbleized). Club heads can be made in limited runshaving a distinctive color (e.g., the trademark color of a partneringluxury goods manufacturer or the trademark stripes or plaid pattern of acorporate partner).

Due to the fact that a manufacturer can offer a whole line of aparticular club (e.g., a particular driver) to fit a variety ofcustomers, by providing a single head, and that the color can be variedeasily among the heads, manufacturers can offer distributors greatflexibility and extensibility in the colors they offer to theircustomers. Due to this flexibility and extensibility, in certainembodiments, a retail store can offer clubs in small lots having trulycustomized colors. For example, a golf team or group can be providedwith a set of clubs in which all of the club heads match the officialcolors of the group.

The invention provides personalized or customized color heads. Since allof a club head for a particular club can be provided by a single tool,manufacturing resources are greatly freed up by the invention. Thus, amanufacturer can repurpose its available resources, for example, toprovide personalized customized color. In certain embodiments, acustomer may choose a color (e.g., from a book, through an HTML colorpicker, etc.) or provide information about a color (e.g., provide aspecimen, Pantone number, etc.) and a manufacturer can produce one ormore club heads having the corresponding color.

A club head can be made having region 107 by any method known in theart. Club head 101 can be molded, cast, forged, or assembled fromcomponents by adhesives, welding, snap-fit, press-fit, or any othermethod known, or combination of any of the foregoing. Exemplary clubsand methods of making them are discussed in Multi-Piece Golf Club headwith Improved Inertia, U.S. Pub. 2010/0056297; Golf Club Head withMoveable Insert, U.S. Pub. 2010/0105499; Golf Club Head, U.S. Pat. No.7,803,065; Metal Wood Golf Club Head, U.S. Pub. 2008/0227564; Golf ClubHead With Multi-Component Construction, U.S. Pub. 2011/0152003; GolfClub Heads, U.S. Pub. 2011/0151989; Method of Making Golf Clubs, U.S.Pub. 2011/0277313; and Method of Making Golf Clubs, U.S. Pub.2010/0298065, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety. Club head 101 can have any combination ofone or more rib, weight, or other structural element beneficial toplayability of the club.

A club head of the invention can include additional weights or moveable(e.g., rotatable or sliding) or interchangeable weight members, forexample, to optimize a center of gravity or a moment of inertia of clubhead 101. Any method known in the art can be used to add adjustableweight or further functionalize club head 101. Rotatable members aredescribed in Adjustable Golf Club, U.S. Pat. No. 2,593,368; Club Headwith Movable Weight, U.S. Pat. No. 3,589,731; Weight Adjusting Structureof Golf Club Head, U.S. Pub. 2009/0215551; and Golf Club Head withMoveable Insert, U.S. Pub. 2010/0105499 (see, e.g., FIGS. 22-24); andAdjustable Golf Club, U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,414, the contents of each ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.Non-rotatable (e.g., sliding, interchangeable, repositionable, etc.)mechanisms are described in Adjustable Weight Golf Clubs, U.S. Pub.2008/0020861 and Golf Club Head with Alignment System, U.S. Pub.2011/0190070 (see, e.g., FIG. 8), the contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety. Replaceable orinterchangeable weight is described in Golf Club With PeripheralWeighting, U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,818, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Weight of club head101 can be minimized, allowing weight to be re-distributed to otherareas, through the use of lightweight inserts. Weight-saving inserts aredescribed in Golf Club With Concave Insert, U.S. Pub. 2011/0275455, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

References and citations to other documents, such as patents, patentapplications, patent publications, journals, books, papers, webcontents, have been made throughout this disclosure. All such documentsare hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for allpurposes.

EQUIVALENTS

Various modifications of the invention and many further embodimentsthereof, in addition to those shown and described herein, will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the full contents of thisdocument, including references to the scientific and patent literaturecited herein. The subject matter herein contains important information,exemplification and guidance that can be adapted to the practice of thisinvention in its various embodiments and equivalents thereof.

1. A removable stabilizing insert for a golf club head, the removablestabilizing insert comprising: a first portion couplable to a mountingportion on a sole of a club head; and a second portion extending fromthe first portion and protruding from the sole of the club head when thefirst portion is coupled to the mounting portion; wherein, when a golfclub, that includes the club head having the removable stabilizinginsert coupled thereto, is held at address, the removable stabilizinginsert maintains a spatial relationship between a contact point and abalance point of the golf club head due to the stabilizing elementprotruding from the sole.
 2. The removable stabilizing insert of claim1, wherein the club head is adjustable between at least a first loftsetting and a second loft setting and, when a golf club, that includesthe golf club head, is held at address, the removable stabilizing insertbalances and maintains a heel-toe face angle in either one of the firstand second loft settings due to the stabilizing element protruding fromthe sole.
 3. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 1, wherein theremovable stabilizing insert is releasably couplable to the mountingportion by way of at least one of an adhesive, a snap-fit means, and apress-fit means.
 4. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 1, whereinthe removable stabilizing insert is selectively removable from themounting portion and interchangeable with one or more other removablestabilizing inserts.
 5. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 1,wherein the stabilizing element protrudes from the sole by a height H,has a maximum length L, has a maximum width W, and has a setback S froma front-most point on the club face when a golf club including the clubhead is held at address.
 6. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 5,wherein: H is between about 0.3 mm and about 2 mm; L is between about2.5 cm and about 12 cm; W is between about 3 mm and about 20 mm; and Sis between about 1.5 cm and about 3.5 cm.
 7. The removable stabilizinginsert of claim 5, wherein H is defined as the average distance from theground of points on the perimeter of the stabilizing element directlyfore and aft of a ground contact point when the club head is held ataddress resting on flat ground.
 8. The removable stabilizing insert ofclaim 1, wherein the mounting portion comprises an aperture extendingthrough the sole of the club head from an exterior of the club head toan interior cavity of the club head, and wherein, when the removablestabilizing insert is coupled to the club head, the first portion of theremovable stabilizing insert is positioned within the interior cavity ofthe club head and the second portion of the removable stabilizing insertextends through the aperture to the exterior of the club head.
 9. Theremovable stabilizing insert of claim 8, wherein the first portioncomprises a flange member extending along a perimeter of the removablestabilizing insert, the flange member is configured to contact aninterior surface of the sole along a perimeter of the aperture when theremovable stabilizing insert is coupled to the aperture, and wherein thesecond portion comprises a protruding member configured to be receivedwithin and extend through the aperture to the exterior of the club head.10. The removable stabilizing insert of claim 1, wherein the mountingportion comprises a recess on an exterior surface of the sole of theclub head, and wherein, when the removable stabilizing insert is coupledto the club head, the first portion of the removable stabilizing insertis received within the recess and the second portion of the removablestabilizing insert extends from the recess.
 11. A golf club headcomprising: a club head body comprising a heel, a toe, a sole having amounting portion, a crown, and a face; and a removable stabilizinginsert releasably coupled to the mounting portion and protruding fromthe sole, wherein, when a golf club, that includes the club head, isheld at address, the removable stabilizing insert maintains a spatialrelationship between a contact point and a balance point of the golfclub head due to the removable stabilizing insert protruding from thesole.
 12. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the club head isadjustable between at least a first loft setting and a second loftsetting.
 13. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein, when a golf club,that includes the golf club head, is held at address, the removablestabilizing insert balances and maintains a heel-toe face angle ineither one of the first and second loft settings due to the removablestabilizing insert protruding from the sole.
 14. The golf club head ofclaim 11, wherein the sole is further configured such that, when theclub head is held at address in either of a first or secondconfiguration such that the face of the club head has a first or secondloft setting, respectively, the club head makes contact with the groundonly within the removable stabilizing insert.
 15. The golf club head ofclaim 11, wherein the removable stabilizing insert is releasablycouplable to the mounting portion by way of at least one of an adhesive,a snap-fit means, and a press-fit means.
 16. The golf club head of claim11, wherein the removable stabilizing insert is selectively removablefrom the mounting portion and interchangeable with one or more otherremovable stabilizing inserts.
 17. The golf club head of claim 11,wherein the mounting portion comprises an aperture extending through thesole of the club head body.
 18. The golf club head of claim 17, wherein,when the removable stabilizing insert is coupled to the aperture, afirst portion of the removable stabilizing insert is positioned withinan interior cavity of the club head body and a second portion of theremovable stabilizing insert extends through the aperture to an exteriorof the club head body and protrudes from the sole.
 19. The golf clubhead of claim 18, wherein the first portion comprises a flange memberextending along a perimeter of the removable stabilizing insert, theflange member is configured to contact an interior surface of the solealong a perimeter of the aperture when the removable stabilizing insertis coupled to the aperture.
 20. The golf club head of claim 18, whereinthe second portion comprises a protruding member configured to bereceived within and extend through the aperture to an exterior of theclub head body.
 21. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the mountingportion comprises a recess on an exterior surface of the sole of theclub head body.
 22. The golf club head of claim 21, wherein, when theremovable stabilizing insert is coupled to the recess, a first portionof the removable stabilizing insert is received within the recess and asecond portion of the removable stabilizing insert extends from therecess.
 23. The golf club head of claim 22, wherein the first portioncomprises a base member having at least bottom surface configured tocontact an interior surface of the recess when the removable stabilizinginsert is coupled to the recess and the second portion comprises aprotruding member extending from the base member and protruding from thesole.
 24. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the removablestabilizing insert protrudes from the sole by a height H, has a maximumlength L, has a maximum width W, and has a setback S from a front-mostpoint on the club face when a golf club including the club head is heldat address.
 25. The golf club head of claim 24, wherein: H is betweenabout 0.3 mm and about 2 mm; L is between about 2.5 cm and about 12 cm;W is between about 3 mm and about 20 mm; and S is between about 1.5 cmand about 3.5 cm.
 26. The golf club head of claim 24, wherein H isdefined as the average distance from the ground of points on theperimeter of the removable stabilizing insert directly fore and aft of aground contact point when the club head is held at address resting onflat ground.